High school Friday night lights the national anthem

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — NFL teams protesting during the national anthem has started a movement, along with backlash throughout the country.

But has it worked its way to the high school Friday night football scene?

No national anthem protesting during Friday night lights in the Cape Fear, at least at Hoggard high school and Legion Stadium.

Even before this was a conversation some high school teams stayed in the locker room in order to run out on the field after the national anthem played.

“Ya know we support the country of course. My son is a police officer in the area, so we understand the issue all around we just want see the football players understand that there’s more to the world than just football and I think our grandson, both our grandsons understand it’s a complex issue,” grandparent, Tony Spatary said.

Even if players wanted to kneel or stand, according to the North Carolina High School Athletic Association Commissioner it is their right.

He said, “we respect each individual’s right to stand, kneel or otherwise exercise their rights under the first amendment.”

“But being a veteran I will stand and I will salute,” Spatary said.

Spatary said he respects whatever decision his grandchildren make to do during the anthem.

“I think it’s good that they’re learning something they know there’s more than just football,” Spatary said.

The four captains from the Laney’s team who were on the field at the time of the anthem were standing and after the anthem played, fans from both sides cheer for their teams.